Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Music Releases For February 18th, 2014

So hopefully all my friends and family in Ontario had a great extra day off while celebrating the province by province holiday known as Family Day.  Despite the cold snap that Toronto suffered over the weekend, we saw lots of families out and about with skating, sledding, and many other recreational acitivites.  While families were celebrating, I was on the lookout for any new releases this week that would catch my attention.  I am starting at a few of the these album covers this morning and debating on which one to start spinning, as well as purchase.

Some lighter album released at the top as we see Sean Paul dropping his new album "Full Frequency", as well as a personal favourite of mine which is the Putumayo series.  Being a long time fan of their world music selection (highly recommend their "Zydeco" album) I was excited to see a compilation released for Native American/Canadian music.  Chances are that will be my after work lounge tunes.

(Sean Paul - Full Frequency)

All in all Full Frequency is a energy album and will certainly keep your head bouncing. I maybe a little critical as I would have loved to have heard a 70% Dancehall Album with 30% Hip Hop or other genre of music.

Putting my grumbles aside, Sean Paul’s Full Frequency Album will certainly win him a award as this is a definitive global album that will cross internationally giving its mix of genres fused together musically. -Madpeps


(Putumayo Presents: Native America)

Native America is a collection of music by singer-songwriters and instrumentalists who draw inspiration from the traditions of their indigenous North American ancestors. A collage of styles, the songs on this album are united by the themes of connecting the old with the new and cultivating the continued evolution of music rooted in ancient traditions. With sounds ranging from atmospheric flute and drum to soulful acoustic songs by singer-songwriters, the collection provides listeners a glimpse into the diverse world of contemporary Native American music from what is now the U.S. and Canada. -Putumayo

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Then of course we move into the rock and heavy stuff of the week.  I don't know about you all but sometimes, even first thing in the morning, a distorted chug of a guitar is just what the doctor ordered.  The doctor of course being my conscience.  Bands such as Issues, Adrenaline Mob, Royal Bliss, and I Killed The Prom Queen will be sure to keep the blood pumping whether you are slamming your keyboard at work, lifting heavy equipment, running at the gym, or any other recreational activity that can sometimes feel like a drag without proper music.

So the general consensus is that bands need money same as the rest of us.  Everyone needs a paycheck right?  So be kind to your musicians and purchase something that keeps them relevant.  Buy an album at your local music store, online retailer, or other legal source.  Cheers!


(Royal Bliss - Chasing The Sun)

*no reviews as of yet*

Royal Bliss has been making their mark across the country for years now. Constant writing, recording, and touring have helped build the success of the band. The wide variety of influences from Johnny Cash to Snoop Dog to Led Zeppelin and the Toadies with everything in between have melded a sound that cannot be denied. -Hellhound Music

(Adrenaline Mob - Men of Honor)


‘Men of Honor’ follows the template laid down by their 2012 debut ‘Omerta’ — thick riffs, plenty of groove and straightforward (sometimes simple) lyrics, dished up with a dose of attitude.

The lyrics on a good deal of the tunes won’t be mistaken as poetry. Even so, you’ll find yourself singing along to the songs on ‘Men of Honor’ after only a listen or two. Adrenaline Mob are not about subtlety and subtext, they are up front and in your face. You can take it or leave it. They’ll be fine either way. -Loudwire

(Issues - Issues)

This album is very catchy. The guitar-work is very nicely done, but it's not often that I get to hear it. Most of the time it's just a bunch of chugging. They have already proven that they can play good guitar parts, so I just wish that they would use more of that instead of constantly hitting the same note. Michael's screams could be better mixed. I just feel that they are underpowering compared to other screamers. Tyler has set the bar pretty high for himself this album. I hope he can top it in their next album. All in all, a very good album that I will be purchasing as soon as it comes out. -Reddit

(Bayside - Cult)

The band has always been notorious for songs about betrayal, pain, and failed relationships. Last album Killing Time, especially, tackled the particularly nasty divorce of Bayside lead singer and lyricist Anthony Raneri. Cult continues this trend with songs like “Hate Me,” “You’re No Match,” and “Pigsty.” 

More than a decade into a career that can only be described as monumental, Bayside has shown us that the best is yet to come. Cult is the band’s strongest album to date, a steadfast construction of soaring melodies, badass guitar solos, and Raneri’s signature croon. It further solidifies Bayside’s distinction as a punk rock powerhouse, and a band truly worthy of its cult following. -Property of Zack

(I Killed The Prom Queen - Beloved)


Well here we, early 2014, and the album has not been released just yet but just last night the band offered to have a full stream of their newest album online for everyone to experience the new era of I Killed the Prom Queen.

There is no other way to put it. No song on this album was disappointing in the least. This may just be one of the strongest comebacks ever for a band. To release such a strong album after not being a full-time band in six years… its beyond impressive. I would love to say that this is their masterpiece but then again, I Killed the Prom Queen is back and they have the energy and determination right now to trump their own album right now. Things are going to get interesting. -Pittsburgh Music Magazine

EPs:

(Junius - Days of the Fallen Sun)

Despite having listened to the EP around thirty or so times before finally delving into the review, I still get chills every play-through.

Days of the Fallen Sun is a 25-minute journey through a planet's final days, through the fearful eyes of man. To be able to convey dread and destruction through music like this is an accomplishment alone, but to make it singable, catchy, worth so many adjectives to properly explain what I've heard… that's talent. Don't miss out on Days of the Fallen Sun. -Metal Injection

CD/DVD/Blu-Ray:


(Suicide Silence - Ending Is The Beginning: The Mitch Lucker Memorial Show)

2014 two disc (CD + DVD) live tribute to former Suicde Silence vocalist Mitch Lucker, who was killed in a motorcycle accident in 2012. Entitled Ending Is The Beginning: The Mitch Lucker Memorial Show, the video portion of the set was directed by Jeremy Schott of MentalSuplex Productions and Zafer Ulkucu of Backseat Conceptions. In addition to featuring the band's first performance with then-All Shall Perish vocalist Eddie Hermida - who, little did we know, would go on to take Lucker's spot in Suicide Silence - the show featured a ton of guest vocalists, including Lamb of God's Randy Blythe, Machine Head's Robb Flynn, Soulfly's Max Cavalera, Job for a Cowboy's Jonny Davy, and Tim Lambesis. -Amazon

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